Dasysyrphus laticaudus

Distinguished from similar Dasysyrphus by abdominal maculae pattern: segment 2 maculae large and oval with sexually dimorphic lateral extension (female pointed and reaching margin, male shorter and not reaching margin); segments 3–4 maculae oblique, straight, uniform thickness, not crossing margin. Frons band pattern differs between sexes. Combination of reddish yellow legs with specific black markings on femora and tarsi, plus elongate dark pterostigma, aids identification. Size range 5–8.2 mm.

Eastern and Northern North America. Records also from Belgium (Flanders), Denmark, and Norway, though GBIF lists this name as a synonym of Dasysyrphus pauxillus.

Adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Larval diet unknown at species level; genus Dasysyrphus larvae are aphid predators.

Adults hover and can remain nearly motionless in flight. Frequently observed on flowers.

Adults contribute to pollination through flower visitation. Potential biological control agent via aphid predation in larval stage (genus-level trait).

Potential value in biological control of aphids. No documented negative impacts.

• Dasysyrphus pauxillusDasysyrphus laticaudus is listed as a synonym of D. pauxillus in GBIF; these may represent the same taxon or closely related species requiring taxonomic revision.
• Other Dasysyrphus speciesShare general body plan and larval ecology; distinguished by specific abdominal maculae patterns, frons band shape, and leg coloration details.

• hoverfly
• syrphid
• flower fly
• aphid predator
• North America
• sexual dimorphism

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon